Living and working in Florida, we at Lafferty Aluminum & Screening see firsthand what hurricane season can do to unprotected outdoor spaces. As a Top 3 Finalist in the Screens & Sunrooms category for the 2026 Florida Today Community's Choice Awards, we've built our reputation by helping homeowners protect their screen enclosures, sunrooms, patio covers, and outdoor living areas year after year. This guide draws on that hands-on experience to help you prepare your property before the next storm hits.
Florida homeowners face a unique challenge: outdoor living spaces are a huge part of daily life here, but they're also the most exposed to hurricane damage. According to the National Hurricane Center, wind speeds during even a Category 1 hurricane can exceed 74 mph—more than enough to turn unsecured furniture, panels, and debris into serious hazards.
Having installed and repaired hundreds of screen enclosures and outdoor structures across Florida, our team has seen which prep steps actually make a difference—and which ones homeowners often overlook.
Before hurricane season ramps up, walk your property with a critical eye (or better yet, have a professional do it). Look for:
- Loose or aging screen panels and enclosure frames
- Weak fastening points on patio covers or sunroom structures
- Dead or overhanging tree branches near structures
- Drainage issues around your patio or enclosure foundation
Our experience tip: Many storm-related enclosure failures we've repaired started as small, unnoticed gaps in fastening hardware. An annual inspection—ideally before hurricane season begins each June—catches these issues before they become costly.
Overgrown trees are one of the most common causes of damage to screen enclosures and patio covers that we see in the field.
- Hire a certified arborist for large tree trimming
- Remove dead branches near your enclosure or sunroom
- Thin dense canopies that hang over structures
Loose furniture doesn't just risk your property—it can also damage screen panels and enclosure framing during high winds.
- Store lightweight furniture, cushions, and umbrellas indoors
- Anchor heavier furniture with tie-down straps
- Remove decorative items from inside screen enclosures
This is where our expertise really comes into play. Screen enclosures and patio covers require specific hurricane-season checks that general contractors may not know to look for:
- Check screen panels for tears or loose spline (the rubber cord holding screens in place)
- Inspect frame connections and fasteners for corrosion or looseness
- Verify that gutters attached to patio covers are clear and properly draining
- Confirm structures meet current Florida Building Code wind-load requirements for your area
If you're unsure whether your enclosure meets current code, our team offers inspections to identify vulnerabilities before storm season peaks.
- Clean debris from gutters and downspouts on sunrooms and patio covers
- Ensure water drains away from your foundation, not toward your enclosure
- Address any standing water issues near structures
Many of our screen enclosure clients also have pools underneath. A few reminders:
- Don't fully drain the pool before a storm
- Add extra chlorine to prevent contamination
- Secure loose pool equipment inside the enclosure
Take dated photos of your screen enclosure, sunroom, and patio cover before hurricane season begins. This documentation is invaluable for insurance claims and helps our team assess any storm damage quickly if you need repairs afterward.
While many prep steps are DIY-friendly, structural elements—like reinforcing enclosure framing or assessing wind-load compliance—are best left to licensed professionals. As a Florida-based, award-recognized contractor specializing in outdoor living structures, our team can help you:
- Inspect existing screen enclosures and sunrooms for storm readiness
- Recommend and install hurricane-rated upgrades
- Provide repair estimates before and after storms
For a full home preparedness plan beyond your outdoor space, check out our companion guide, Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
For official storm tracking and safety guidance, always refer to the National Hurricane Center resources.
Preparing your outdoor area isn't just about protecting furniture—it's about protecting the investment you've made in your screen enclosure, sunroom, or patio cover. With Florida hurricane season in full swing, now's the time to schedule an inspection.
Enter your project details on our websites contact form to get a ranged estimate for reinforcements, repairs, or upgrades before the next storm arrives.
We're excited to learn more about your needs and provide you with a personalized quote. Please fill out the form, and our team will get back to you with a detailed estimate to kickstart your project.
